Page 25 - Tropic Magazine Issue 22

TROPIC • TOURISM

Carefully curated
Check out these examples of Coral Expedition’s
multi-layered experience for guests

Coral Expeditions has a philosophy
of engagement through local art and
photography. Photos are taken from
expeditions by crew or guests, and art and
artefacts are sourced from local communities
with the stories of each piece shared.
The communities that Coral Expeditions
visits and supports are proud to have their
culture displayed onboard and travelling
around the world.

On their Tasmanian voyages, Coral Expeditions has
Experience is at the heart amplified the regional food and wine experience
with fully locally sourced produce. Voyages include
of the Coral Expeditions farmgate or cellar visits to key suppliers such as
culture, and we look at a Meet Your Beef agritour on King Island or freshly
shucked oysters on the beach with the farmer.
that from two distinct
perspectives to deliver
an exceptional guest Special themed expeditions have been created
including art, food and trekking. One of these
experience – local and successful expeditions is the Torres Strait and
technical knowledge and Cape York voyage, which includes in-depth
product development experiences of the art of the region. On these
trips, a special guest artist travels on board
who involves guests in hands-on workshops as
Jeff Gillies well as hosting them among the islands.

factors such as tides and weather. A special part of a Kimberley expedition is to enter
The team spends significant time and a remote river system and to turn off the engines
energy on getting “beneath the skin” of the Zodiac and simply close your eyes and drift
of the places and people they meet along with the sounds of birdsong and nature.
on the itineraries. It’s about telling Expert commentators sit side-by-side with
the authentic story of a place, setting guests identifying the sounds and the language
the mood and creating emotional of the wildlife.
connections with guests.
“Our goal is to prepare guests with
knowledge and tales of a place, its When visiting remote communities of Papua
people, its history, and its culture New Guinea, Coral Expeditions crew bring
before they arrive,” Mr Gillies said. along supplies for the local schools, sports
“This helps to build anticipation and equipment and clothing and important medical
also heighten their awareness so supplies. Guests love to participate in giving
when they arrive they get a deeper these gifts and are made aware in advance so
connection and perspective. This they can plan what to contribute, should they
really helps create extra value to our choose to do so. The connections, appreciation
guests and these moments become the and thoughtfulness establish a bond and this
memorable and shareable highlights manifests in deep and emotional relationships
of their trip. We find that when the crew and the communities are
if you can engage the mind of the reunited each year.
guests along with a range of their
senses such as taste, touch and
smell, you will create more
memorable experiences.” MORE: coralexpeditions.com

25 • tropicnow.com.au